Shawn Porter-Yordenis Ugas reportedly set for March 9th

With Kudratillo Abdukakhorov and Keita Obara vying for a crack at Errol Spence Jr., El Nuevo Herald reports that Spence’s current #1 contender, Yordenis Ugas, will instead challenge Shawn Porter for the WBC title on March 9th. They expect an official announcement within hours.

Ugas (23-3, 11 KO), who originally looked poised to be a bust after a 4-3 stretch, turned things around in 2016 with a one-sided victory over touted prospect Jamal James. He’s gone on to win his next seven, beating the likes of Bryant Perrella, Levan Ghvamichava, and most recently Cesar Miguel Barrionuevo.

Porter (29-2-1, 17 KO) first became a champion when he upset Devon Alexander in 2013, but after four years without a real title, finds himself with a belt around his waist once again after slugging his way past Danny Garcia in September.

One would imagine that Keith Thurman will be next for the winner, but for now, let’s enjoy a quality welterweight matchup.